We present the potential of the multiple application of two Startec kits for the distribution of liquid fertilizer and herbicide on a combined precision planter.
On a combined Horsch Focus TD seed drill configured for 8-row precision sowing, the following kits have been mounted:
- an Ecofert Kit for the localization of liquid fertilizer; and
- a Starsol Herby Kit for herbicide localized nebulisation.
Advantages of the multiple application of Startec kits for localizing
With the Startec localization kits, which distribute the liquid fertilizer or weed automatically and independently one from the other at the same time of the sowing, you will obtain the following advantages.
1- Minimization of passages in the field
The liquid fertilizer and the weeding are distributed during the sowing operation avoiding the user to return to the field several times.
This allows to reduce soil compaction, save time and reduce the overall amount of working hours dedicated to treatments.
2- Optimizing the use of the products to be distributed
The precise control of the distribution allows to use the desired quantity of fertilizers and products without excess or waste.
Moreover, the precision of the localization allows to distribute them in an optimal way so that they are available for the plants in the most favourable quantity and time.
Description of the multiple application
A multiple application is made up of several kits installed for localzing different products at the same time on the same tractor&operating machine.
Each Kit is made up of:
- an adjustment and control system; and
- a distribution circuit for the product.
They are defined and sized in a personalized way according to customer needs.
The main features of the Ecofert Kit (localization of liquid fertilizer) and of the Starsol Herby Kit (for localized herbicide nebulization) applied on the Horsch Focus TD precision planter are described hereafter.
CONTROL AND REGULATION
The distributions’ control is performed thanks to the Multiperformer System which allows to manage and control the two distributions.
In this application, the Multiperformer System was chosen in the ISOBUS version connected directly to the terminal / monitor already present in the tractor.
The Multiperformer System, prized as technical innovation at Eima 2016, manages both distributions automatically and independently one from the other.
The dosing of each product (liquid fertilizer or weeding) is programmed by the user and distributed proportionally to the advancement speed detected by the tractor’s ISOBUS system.
So that the management and control of the performance are simpler and easier, directly from the control terminal in the cab.
TANKS AND PUMPING GROUPS
On the frame of the combined seeder Horsch Focus two single tanks have been installed, one for each product.
The capacity chosen for this application was 600l for each the tanks. Depending on the desired working autonomy, different capacities can be provided (Startec has a range of tanks from 50 to 2200l).
One of the two tanks contains the liquid fertilizer distributed with the Ecofert Kit; the other tank contains the weeding distributed with the Starsol Herby Kit.
The tanks are shaped with a hollow to house the pumping group unit of the Ecofert and Starsol localization kits.
Each pumping group is dimensioned by Startec basing on:
- the requirements for the distribution of the product;
- the characteristics of the machine / seeder; and
- working conditions.
In this application, for the distribution of liquid fertilizer it was provided a 16 l/min pumping group
A 200 l/min centrifugal pump with hydraulic drive has also been installed.
For the distribution of the herbicide, instead, a 25 l/min pumping group has been supplied in order to grant also the agitation of the product.
THE SPLIT OF THE DELIVERY FLOW THROUGH SPLITTERS
The splitting of the liquid fertilizer delivery flow on the different sowing rows takes place through an 8-outlet splitter.
The same splitting system was provided for the Starsol Herby Kit for weeding.
Depending on the characteristics of the seeder (eg in the case of folding seeders), different combinations may be supplied providing several dividers.
LOCALIZATION ON THE ROWS OF THE LIQUID FERTILIZER AND OF THE HERBICIDE
The localization of the two products, liquid fertilizer and herbicide, takes place directly on the sowing row at the same time of the main operation.
The regulation of the localizations’ characteristics (e.g. spraying width, height from the ground, distance from the seed’s falling area) is made according to the specific requirements of the customer.
Once the installation on the seeder is completed, they can be easily adapted quickly even according to the working conditions that occur from time to time in the field.
As to the Ecofert Kit, the liquid fertilizer is localized with a narrow band nebulisation carried out through a reduced-angle spraying nozzles fitted with an anti-drip system that are fixed with adjustable fittings on the front parts (soil working) of the combined seeder and aligned with the rear sowing rows.
On the other hand, as to the Starsol Herby Kit, the nozzles for the distribution of the weeding were mounted at the rear of each seeding element.
By adjusting the nozzle spraying angle and fixing the support, it is possible to define with great precision the spraying width on the ground once the furrow has been closed.
Additional features
In the application described, the Horsch Focus TD seeder is used for precision seeding (8 rows).
It is also foreseen its use once reconfigured as a seed drill (6m).
Startec‘s Ecofert and Starsol Herby kits, once installed in the ‘precision seeder’ version, are also used in the subsequent sowing of cereals. This means that the kits are polyvalent and their benefits can be further increased.